Mariko Muranaka is an internationally acclaimed cellist known for her dynamic performances on both acoustic and electric cello. With over two decades of experience spanning classical, film, and rock/metal music, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional artistry and versatility.
She has been a soloist of the Hans Zimmer Live concert tour since in 2023, performing in arenas across the globe, and in 2025 joined Andrea Bocelli’s U.S. tour as a featured soloist. She has also appeared as a soloist for Madonna (Madame X Tour, Billboard Awards Prince Tribute), Cirque du Soleil (Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, Zumanity), and numerous orchestras, recording artists, and film productions—including the Grammy Award-winning Dune: Part Two.
Originally trained in violin and piano from age 4, Mariko began playing cello at age 8. While attending Tokyo University of the Arts, she gained early professional experience recording for major productions and performing on television with her band.
In 2014, she joined Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour after passing a highly competitive audition. As a featured soloist, she performed unaccompanied cello solos on stage, drawing the attention of Cirque du Soleil’s founder, Guy Laliberté, who personally invited her to join a Las Vegas residency. Mariko then relocated to the U.S. and became a principal performer in Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, where she played over 1,500 shows from 2015 to 2018.
Her career continued to soar with collaborations across multiple genres. In 2023, she performed as a soloist with Two Steps From Hell at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s largest metal festivals, in front of 50,000 people. In 2024, she was a featured acoustic cello soloist on The World of Hans Zimmer: A New Dimension tour, performing 35 shows across 14 countries.
Currently based in the United States, Mariko remains a sought-after musician, composer, and producer, pushing the boundaries of cello performance across genres and captivating audiences worldwide.
Photo Credit: Mai Sato